2024 Toyota Prius Prime

A perfect first Prius

Tuesday, December 19, 2023

I bought this car in December 2023 because I found a dealer that did not have an upmark/market price, wanted the $4500 rebate for qualified lessees, and wanted a phev to take advantage of my oversized solar system. Cons first: you only get one key due to the chip shortage--we may get another one in the future(?), rear visibility is like driving around with a bag over your head which justifies spending the $200 for the digi-mirror. For a $43k car (XSE Premium) it really needs auto dimming side mirrors and 240v cable standard. You cannot fit chains to the 195/50R19 wheels. This unique tire size leaves two variants (Toyo & Michelin) and neither have an AA tread rating--for a FWD car with more power than a VW GTI. Interesting decision there... Neither of these variants last more than 50k miles--we deserve something with at least an A rating and a 75k tire warranty since this is a supercommuter car. Not looking forward to that 30,000 mile expense or the hydroplaning/tire squeal. Toyota's dealer network leaves a lot to be desired too--from price gouging and lack of transparency "well we don't get calls from out of state often--you okay with a $5k upmark?" Pros: looks slick "that's the new Prius!", luxe car vibes (nothing rattles--this is not a Kia), moves with gusto, seats fold flat, 95% Japanese part content (incl the 120v charger) and Japanese final assembly, 55+ mpg on a depleted battery, efficient real world EV performance when it isn't (3.7mi/kwh with same driving style), and oodles of optional goodies (JBL stereo, glass roof, ventilated seats, 3D camera, automated parking, aformentioned digi-mirror, wireless phone charger, heated steering wheel, big screen, and lots of buttons you can actually press). Overall, a supercommuter's dream (other than the bizarre tires. Get an SE trim for more tire options)--look no further than if you brave the traffic that plagues our car-centric metropolises on a daily basis.